Hormones

Oxandrolone (Anavar)

Evidence: strong_human

Mechanism of Action

Oxandrolone is a synthetic 17-alpha-alkylated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative with a modified A-ring (replacement of C2 with an oxygen atom) that confers high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (~10:1). It enhances protein synthesis by activating the androgen receptor while strongly binding sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone fraction. Oxandrolone directly stimulates phosphocreatine synthesis in skeletal muscle and has demonstrated anti-catabolic effects through cortisol receptor antagonism. In burn patients, it reverses catabolism by restoring the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 axis.

Dosing Protocol

Standard: Research indicates 5-20 mg/day orally for therapeutic/recovery applications. Clinical burn protocols use 0.1 mg/kg twice daily.

Maintenance: Research indicates 5-10 mg/day for maintenance in recovery and anti-catabolic applications.

Administration: oral

Timing: Split into 2 doses (morning and evening) due to 9-hour half-life. Take with food to reduce GI discomfort.

Duration: Typical therapeutic cycles: 6-12 weeks. Clinical burn protocols have extended to 1 year+ with liver monitoring. Limit cycle length to minimize hepatic stress.

Notes

Oxandrolone is one of the mildest oral anabolic steroids and the most studied for therapeutic recovery applications, particularly severe burns. FDA-approved for weight regain following catabolic illness, surgery, chronic infection, trauma, and for bone pain from osteoporosis. Despite its mild reputation, it significantly suppresses HDL cholesterol — lipid monitoring is mandatory. Required bloodwork: Liver function panel (AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin) every 4 weeks on cycle, lipid panel (baseline + monthly), CBC/hematocrit, total and free testosterone, fasting glucose. TUDCA or NAC liver support recommended throughout. Medical supervision required.

Stacking

  • Testosterone (to maintain hormonal base)
  • BPC-157 (recovery synergy)
  • NAC or TUDCA (liver support)
  • Creatine (synergistic phosphocreatine loading)

Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (Warfarin) [HIGH] — Oxandrolone significantly potentiates warfarin; can increase INR 2-3x. Dose reduction of anticoagulant required.
  • Oral hypoglycemics / Insulin [MEDIUM] — Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake; monitor for hypoglycemia.
  • Corticosteroids [MEDIUM] — Additive fluid retention; oxandrolone may help offset corticosteroid-induced muscle wasting.
  • Hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen, statins) [MEDIUM] — Additive hepatic stress with 17-alpha-alkylated oral steroid; avoid concurrent hepatotoxins.

Contraindications

  • Prostate cancer
  • Breast cancer in males
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Pregnancy (Category X)

Side Effects

  • Hepatotoxicity (dose and duration dependent — mild with therapeutic doses)
  • Lipid profile disruption (significant HDL suppression, LDL elevation)
  • Suppression of endogenous testosterone (dose dependent)
  • Virilization in females at higher doses
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Potential hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals

Key Papers

  • 10.1016/j.burns.2003.08.006
  • 10.1542/peds.2005-1028
  • 10.1177/87551225221091115

Source Quality

FDA-approved pharmaceutical product (Oxandrin). Also available through compounding pharmacies. High risk of counterfeit product in non-pharmaceutical channels; verify with third-party lab testing.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. BioAccelera Labs does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any compound.

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